Northward to Chicago
by Donald E. SheppardThis report contends that landmarks described along DeSoto's way still exist where they were found by DeSoto. Scientists have never challenged this observation, but because most cling to the ancient belief that DeSoto landed in Tampa, their supposed DeSoto trail to the Mabila Battleground is well off-track.
His men say, "From the time Governor DeSoto entered Florida until leaving the battlegrounds of Mabila, one hundred and two Christians had died, some of their illness and others being killed by the Indians. He remained in Mavilla (with 540 soldiers plus women and slaves, 200 horses and 300 pigs) for twenty-eight days (one moon cycle) because of the wounded, during which time he was always in the open fields. It was a very populous and fertile land. There were some large enclosed towns and a considerable population scattered about over the field, the houses being separated from one another one or two crossbow flights."
To prevent news of his "defeat" at Mabila from reaching prospective settlers, DeSoto led his army away from his waiting ships in Mobile Bay. He would isolate his people beyond a natural barrier in Tennessee that winter, then march farther north at springtime. The ships would be headed back to Cuba by then. They would return the following winter, as DeSoto had instructed them to do in such an event, when he could give them better news of conquest.
DeSoto's army marched in six divisions; each camped separately on open fields or Indian clearings. His army was strewn across the landscape as it advanced, their campsites often at great interval. Horsemen provided intelligence for selecting desirable campsites for each division then "posted" DeSoto's marching orders accordingly. Horses were kept fit and captains were kept aware of the proximity of other divisions in case of attack.
"They marched 5 or 6 leagues (13 to 16 miles) daily when going through a peopled region, and as much as we could through a depopulated area..." The testimony of survivors follows...